Man, I see in Fight Club the strongest and smartest men who've ever lived. I see all this potential, and I see it squandered. God damn it, an entire generation pumping gas, waiting tables; slaves with white collars. Working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need. Our Great Depression is our lives. We've been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaires. But we won't. And we're slowly learning that fact. And we're very, very pissed off.

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Friday, October 26, 2007

From what we can tell he stopped along the railroad tracks on the way to the shelter sometime yesterday. Perhaps he was tired. Maybe it was too early for him to check in. Either way he stopped near the tracks, a slight incline, perhaps it was the warm sun.

He removed his jacket and folded it neatly under his head. He took off his shoes. Naps are always more comfortable without shoes. He took off his shoes and placed them close. Perhaps thinking if someone tried to lift them he'd wake up and notice. Either way he tucked them near.

He laid his head down on his jacket and went to sleep. He was found by one of our staff this morning during the neighborhood sweep. For a minute he thought he was sleeping but up close it was different, a days worth of difference at least.

Sometime between yesterday morning and the day before he died. No one knows why but hard living and sleeping outside takes it's toll. He looked peaceful, his eyes were closed. His head was still cradled by his jacket. A faint smile perhaps but that may just be wistful thinking and the hope for a gentle goodbye

And no one had tried to lift his shoes. Neatly tucked next to his side, his shoes were still there.

Rest in peace, brother. May you forever have soft pillows beneath your head.

I used to volunteer in our shelter system and was picturing so many of the men in this situation as I read this. It is a lovely tribute Jen.I am so glad no one had tried to lift his shoes. A quiet dignity in the midst of it all.

That's seems so lonely, but I hope the faint smile meant he was at peace.

When my friend's mom was in the hospital with cancer, she shared a room with an elderly lady. My friend was visiting with her mom when a nurse came in to do her thing, checked the woman, turned to my friend and said, "She's gone." Just like that. In the end, the actual moment between life and death is a mere blink for all of us.

I may be wrong but I don't take you as one to listen to country music (I don't think I am wrong....) but this scenario immediately brought to mind a song by Craig Morgan called "Almost Home". Also, when I hear the song "Moments" by Emerson Drive I think of you.

Isn't that funny? Thinking of "You" as if I know you....because, obviously, I don't. You have, however, worked you and your stories into my heart and I am forever changed.

If you have a chance you should check out those songs....country yes....but still good.

About Me

The story of a free-spirited woman who after much living had a baby and until recently was in charge of a non profit that helped to get people off the streets.
But I've left it all behind to move to the jungle and figure out a way to live more sustainably while seeing more of the world.
It took us five years and we still aren't quite sure what we are doing but we are doing it anyways.